DOE clarifies PH coal dependency and future energy plans

The Department of Energy (DOE) responded to the recent article comparing the Philippines’ coal dependency with China and Indonesia, emphasizing that the power generation mix cannot be directly compared due to significant differences in demographic, economic, and energy profiles.

According to the Global Energy Monitor Report as of January 2024, China has an installed coal power plant capacity of 1,136.7 GW, Indonesia 51.6 GW, and the Philippines only 12.1 GW, highlighting the vast differences in energy infrastructures among the three countries.

In terms of gross generation from coal power plants in 2021, China produced 5,417,848 GWh, Indonesia 189,683 GWh, while the Philippines generated only 65,052 GWh.

Even with an increase to 69,472 GWh in 2023, the Philippines’ figures remain significantly lower.

While coal remains the largest share of the Philippines’ power generation mix, the country’s contribution to global emissions from coal is minimal.

The European Commission’s Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) 2023 Report shows that in 2022, China was the largest greenhouse gas emitter globally with 29.2% of total emissions, Indonesia ranked seventh with 2.3%, and the Philippines accounted for just 0.5%.

The DOE pointed out that despite the reliance on coal-fired power generation, the Philippines’ absolute amount of generation and emissions are minimal compared to China and Indonesia.

Therefore, comparing the Philippines with these larger economies is unreasonable due to different energy strategies and infrastructures tailored to their specific conditions.

The 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) aims to transform the country’s energy framework towards cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable systems.

This aligns with the global energy transition, involving strategic efforts to advance a low-carbon energy future.

The plan includes exploring and accelerating the development of renewable energy resources, with a target of 35% renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

COAL MORATORIUM POLICY

Meanwhile, the DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau clarified that the Coal Moratorium Policy issued in December 2020 is not a total ban.

It does not cover existing and operational coal-fired power generation facilities, committed power projects, power plant complexes with expansion plans, or indicative projects with substantial accomplishments such as signed land agreements and approved permits from local government units.

The Power Bureau stated that certifications of non-coverage under the moratorium are issued after thorough review and verification.

DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources for energy security.

Lotilla addressed criticisms, stating, “Diversification of energy sources is critical to energy security. Unfortunately, we get pilloried for favoring solar and wind over coal and get charged for favoring coal over renewable energy. This leaves us with a reassuring feeling that we are getting the damn thing right.”